Mystery Snail - Assorted

Mystery Snail (Pomacea bridgesii) – Description & Care Guide

The Mystery Snail, is a popular and peaceful freshwater snail known for its beautiful shell colors and algae-eating abilities. It's a great addition to planted or community aquariums and is beginner-friendly.

Basic Description

• Scientific Name: Pomacea bridgesii

• Common Names: Mystery Snail, Apple Snail, Inca Snail

• Appearance:

  • Round spiral shell, available in gold, blue, ivory, purple, black, jade, and brown

  • Soft body with two long tentacles and a snorkel-like siphon for breathing

  • Operculum (a “trap door”) closes the shell when the snail retreats

• Size: Up to 2 inches (5 cm)

• Lifespan: 1 to 1.5 years (sometimes longer with excellent care)

• Origin: South America

Diet & Feeding

• Natural Diet: Herbivore/Detritivore

  • Algae

  • Biofilm

  • Dead or decaying plant matter

• Supplemental Feeding:

  • Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, cucumber, kale)

  • Algae wafers

  • Calcium-rich foods (to maintain shell health)

• Feeding Frequency: Daily or every other day if algae is scarce

Care Tips

• Shell Health: Soft or pitted shells can result from low calcium or acidic water. Use crushed coral, cuttlebone, or calcium supplements if needed.

• Molting/Shedding: Mystery snails do not shed their shells. If the shell appears cracked, address water quality and calcium levels.

• Behavior: Peaceful, active during the day and night; may float or hang out near the water surface using its siphon to breathe air.

Breeding & Reproduction

• Reproduction: Separate sexes (not hermaphroditic)

• Egg Laying:

  • Females lay pinkish egg clusters above the waterline

  • Remove eggs if you don't want baby snails

  • Eggs hatch in 2–4 weeks if kept humid and warm